Islamabad Adopts “3-D Policy” Towards Balochistan

QUETTA: The Federal Government has formulated a 3Ds (Dialogue, Development, Deterrence) policy for Balochistan in order to retain peace and normalize the situation.

Reliable sources in the Provincial Home Department said that the government is pursuing the policy and had already taken some initiatives. In first place, the government had invited the insurgents and Baloch nationalist leaders for a dialogue to eliminate the trust deficit between the Baloch people and Federal Government.

For this purpose Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani had paid a visit to the veteran Baloch nationalist leader, Sardar Ataullah Mengal and held preliminary talks with him. It is also worth to mention that Chief Minister of Balochistan, in several instances, had been quoted to invite insurgent groups and nationalist leaders for negotiations. But no positive response was received from them.

The sources said, PPP-led coalition is also taking measures in development projects to facilitate the people of this backward province improving their lot. The Agaz-i-Huqooq Balochistan package is also the part of Federal Government policy to address the long standing grievances of this insurgency-stricken province. Around 3500 appointment letters had been issued to unemployed youth and in the second phase five thousands more jobs in federal corporations would be provided. The National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and abolition of Concurrent List from the Constitution are also the part of Development strategy to address the grievances of the Baloch people.

However, Home Department seemed to be satisfied over the outcome of Federal Government’s policy in Balochistan and not looking to third option.

“Positive change had been observed after the issuance of appointment letters to unemployed youth, because most of the youth were engaged in creating law and order situation,” a senior officer of Home Department told The Baloch Hal.

He said that the process is under way to control the law and order in Balochistan and the third option had not been clicked so far because the political scenario is closely being observed.

“Every government has to take strict measure in such circumstances if situation drifts to go out of control,” he explained.

Keeping in view the increasing incidents of target killings, the Home Department had given a relaxation to Shiite and traders’ community to carry non-prohibited weapons for self-defense only. “The relaxation was given those who are scared to be attacked some five months back,” officer said and clarifying that the arms license quota was not increased.